The popular "no poo" theory that hair can clean itself without the use of shampoo has been debunked by experts. Neil Harvey, president of the Institute of Trichologists, says this idea is not true and that hair and scalp require special care.
“If you stopped washing your armpits, a layer of dirt and sweat would build up, which would cause bad odor,” he explains. “Bacteria, which thrive in oily environments, would multiply.”
Regarding the shine that hair can have after a few weeks without shampoo, Harvey says that this only happens if you have used very aggressive shampoos before.
"When you stop using these shampoos, the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands of the scalp coats the hair, giving it shine. But over time, this oil builds up and becomes unpleasant."
Harvey recommends avoiding shampoos with ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium chloride, or strong fragrances, as they can irritate the scalp and weaken hair. Instead, it's better to choose products with natural ingredients, like essential oils, which are gentler on the hair and scalp.
How often should you wash your hair?
This depends on scalp type, hair texture, and personal preference.
"For some people, frequent washing can cause a dry and itchy scalp. For others, infrequent washing can make hair look greasy and weaken the scalp microbiome - an ecosystem of bacteria that protects the scalp and hair."
So, no, hair doesn't clean itself. Take care of your scalp and use a shampoo that's right for your hair!
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